South America: Santos & Buzios

The Saint-Tropez of Latin America is a favourite summer playground of southernmost South America. Sail the calmer waters or lounge on the beach along a 20-mile shoreline. And witness the big waves breaking at la Brava.

Hop on a tour of Brazil's largest city, São Paulo, about 50 miles away. The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo and Ibirapuera Park, site of a number of architecturally significant buildings, are popular stops, whilst the Jardins District is a mecca for shopping. Santos offers a relaxed environment. Gonzaga Beach resembles a resort on the French Riviera. Also lovely is Enseada Beach, in Guarujá, just across the estuary from Santos. Coffee lovers will enjoy a visit to Santos' Museu do Café (Coffee Museum), housed in a former palace.

Brazil's third largest island, famed for its tropical scenery and gorgeous beaches, has an unusual history. It was once a leper colony and later a prison. Today the entire island is a protected area and is home to a tiny beachfront town, Vila do Abraão, where cars are banned. With fine-grain sand and clear turquoise waters, the two-mile-long Lopes Mendes Beach is virtually a postcard. Another picture-album sight is Abraão Cove, considered the most beautiful bay on the island.

Buzios is a land of beaches, with more than 20 in all. Just within walking distance of the tender pier lie the Praia de Armação and the Praia dos Ossos beaches. But if you prefer something a bit more private, head to Praia Tucuns or the Praia dos Amores ("Beach of Love"), popular with romantic couples. A "must" for any visitor to Buzios is a stroll along the mile-long Rua das Pedras, named for its beautiful stones. Lined with shops and restaurants, it's right on the ocean and a great place to enjoy refreshments and to people-watch.

Christ the Redeemer, one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, stands atop the Corcovado peak. Survey the city from a platform below the 125-foot statue or hop on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and get a different perspective of Rio and the Christ. Feel a rush to your senses from the awesome activity on world-famous beaches Ipanema and Copacabana. If the quiet side of Rio is what you seek, a visit to the lush botanical garden - home to some 8,000 species - will delight you.

Christ the Redeemer, one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, stands atop the Corcovado peak. Survey the city from a platform below the 125-foot statue or hop on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and get a different perspective of Rio and the Christ. Feel a rush to your senses from the awesome activity on world-famous beaches Ipanema and Copacabana. If the quiet side of Rio is what you seek, a visit to the lush botanical garden - home to some 8,000 species - will delight you.